Takeout Dining Find: Fala Pita, Plantation

October 23, 2008

In spite of its newness, I'm already a regular at this small caf� offering soup, sandwiches, salads and smoothies — an appealing lineup of goodies including eight vegetarian-friendly sandwiches. One of my favorites is the Moroccan chicken pita ($6.49 on white or stone-ground whole wheat pita), also available as a salad ($6.99), with tasty but judicious spicing on the grilled chicken slices, so don't let the name scare you off.

When ready, the partially wrapped pita is handed to me on a tray standing up in a cardboard collar. Then I head to the topping bar for fresh-tasting goodies such as red cabbage salad, spicy carrots, tabbouleh, corn salad, sauteed chilled cauliflower and an array of other treats. You can pile it on, but the pita only holds so much, and it's a one trip kind of thing.

Once packed full, hand the tray back to the counter person who wraps it in foil and instructs you to head to the sauce bar. That's where you find assorted yogurt sauces and hot sauces ready to pack in separate lidded containers.

Address: 1809 Pine Island Road

Phone/Web/Fax: 954-476-5955/falapita.com/ 954-476-5977

Also at: 1538 SW Eighth St., Boynton Beach, 561-733-4955, fax 561-733-4472 (hours and menu may differ at this location)

Type of food: Mediterranean

Hours: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily

Dining facilities: Counter ordering with a few tables for eating in as well as takeout. Phone ahead and they'll have it ready.

Service: Friendly faces anxious for you to try their food. There's usually a tray of free, herb-dusted pita strips to munch while waiting the short time for your order.

Delivery: None

-- Judith Stocks